The heads of mission of the European Union (EU) yesterday expressed concern at the current spate of violence on the streets in Bangladesh and called for a national 'confidence-building' dialogue to avoid deterioration of the situation.

They reiterated that the government must ensure swift action and a

thorough and transparent investigation into the killings in the January 27 grenade attack.

The European envoys urged all parties to exercise restraint and refrain themselves from actions that can deteriorate the situation.

The call came from the EU mission chiefs after they met with Leader of the Opposition and Awami League (AL) chief Sheikh Hasina in

the capital and discussed the prevailing political situation following the grenade attack in Habiganj.

The AL however said a national dialogue could take place only when there is a congenial atmosphere and good relations between the government and the opposition.

The EU heads of mission extended their condolences and sympathies to the opposition leader over the 'tragic and violent' death of former minister Shah AMS Kibira and four others who fell victim to the heinous attack.

"Apparent failure to investigate previous similar attacks had led to a climate of impunity," Netherlands Ambassador Kees Beemsterboer told newsmen while reading out a statement after over an hour's meeting at Sudha Sadan.

Asked about Foreign Minister M Morshed Khan's criticism of EU mission's recent statement asking for a transparent investigation into the incident, Beemsterboer said, "We only shared our concern and dismay as friends of Bangladesh."

Responding to a query, British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said the government should take steps to build confidence among common people.

"A country cannot be run this way. We want swift and credible inquiry into all the crimes," he said referring to the killing of Kibria, the August 21 grenade attacks on an AL rally and another grenade attack on him in Sylhet last year.

Asked about the dialogue, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, political secretary to the AL chief, said, "Awami League leaders told the EU delegates that such a dialogue is possible only when there is a respectable relationship between the government and the opposition."

"The government is killing opposition leaders and workers in a planned way to eliminate us and we are struggling for existence. So how is it possible to go for a dialogue?" he said.

During the meeting, the AL leaders told the EU delegates that they welcome international investigation because they have credibility, but they would not want the

government to use their credibility to confuse the common people and also to undermine the credibility of the internationally reputed agencies by restricting their activities.

Referring to the government recognition that it has weaknesses in administration, Saber said "It is not the weakness of the administration, it is rather the government's weakness towards a certain stream --which is extremist and fundamentalist."

About the 'firm determination' the government has expressed to nab the criminals, Saber said "They make such statements after every such incident, but after a certain period they put the blame on the victims and influence the inquiry."

After the killing of Kibria, two senior ministers of the government -- Moudud Ahmed and Mirza Abbas -- said in television interviews that Awami League was involved in the grenade attack and it was planned to create a political issue, Saber said.

"When the government high-ups make such statements the people engaged in investigation try to establish the views of their bosses," he said.

The EU delegation also included German Ambassador Dietrich Andreas, French Ambassador Jacques-Andre Costilhes, Danish Charge d'Affaires Tom Hansen, Italian Ambassador Pietro Ballero, Swedish Ambassador Borje Mattson and EC delegation head in Bangladesh Ambassador Esko Kentrschynskyj.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil, Presidium Member Abdus Samad Azad, former ambassador Faruq Chowdhury and AL International Affairs Secretary Syed Abul Hossain aided the opposition leader during the meeting.